Police Interrogation

You’ve probably seen old movies of people being tortured so that they’ll confess to crimes they may have committed. In the past, suspects of crimes had to undergo third-degree abuse by being deprived of water, food and sleep in an effort to get them to confess. But today, instead of using these harsh techniques, more sophisticated methods are used.

A popular method known as the Reid technique is often used in making people confess to crimes. This tactic, which is the most widely used interrogation method, entails questioning suspects for evaluating their credibility. Instead of using a question-and-answer format, the interrogator speaks compassionately in an effort to make a suspect more at ease so that it’s more likely he or she will tell the truth.

To do this, the interrogator tries to present reasons for why a crime may have been committed. In other words, interrogators try to put themselves in the shoes of suspects. The Reid technique is designed to build rapport with suspects. The interrogator is specially trained to observe a suspect’s body language in detecting signs of anxiety and lying. Nine steps are involved in this technique, although many of these steps overlap.

The Reid technique is often effective in getting information on a crime for suspects who probably would have been unwilling to be truthful. On the other hand, some critics of this tactic contend that it can lead to innocent people giving false confessions.

The PEACE Method

An increasing number of police officers, in countries such as Denmark, the United Kingdom and New Zealand, use a relatively new tactic called “The PEACE method.” This procedure involves gathering a lot off information, rather than simply getting confessions from suspects. The letters in “PEACE” stand for preparation and planning; engage and explain; account; closure and evaluate. It’s similar to a journalistic method, yet it’s extremely straightforward.

The method works on the assumption that the more untruths that suspects tell, the harder it is for them to remember what they’ve said. It’s based on the idea that just a single conflicting detail will eventually destroy a liar’s entire web of fabrications.

Misconception

Can police officers ever lie? That’s what many people still believe, but this is an old urban myth. In fact, lying is another technique that’s used in getting confessions from suspects. Actually, there isn’t any law that says that police officers are restricted to always telling nothing but the truth.

Considerations and Warnings

There are some groups of people who are more at risk for making false confessions. These include mentally challenged individuals, juveniles and children.

Law enforcement officers are not allowed to make threats to suspects, such as threatening to forbid them to see their family if they don’t confess. Furthermore, police cannot say that if a suspect confesses, he or she will be charged with a less severe crime.

Whenever officers interact with people, informal questioning can take place. For example, let’s say you’re stopped by a police officer, and you’re unsure of the reason why. Always assume that you may be suspected of committing an offense.

When officers question suspects at police stations, they typically use the Reid technique.

If you’ve been charged with or accused of a crime, you should never offer a statement to the police if there’s no attorney present with you. You don’t want to say anything that might incriminate you later.

Simply state that you don’t want to give a statement, and that you’re using your right to remain silence. Additionally, request a criminal defense lawyer.

A qualified and highly experienced criminal defense lawyer can help you in determining if you need to say anything at all. If speaking with law enforcement is necessary, your lawyer can advice you on what to say, as well as investigate your case. Don’t hesitate to contact us and learn more about our wide range of legal services.

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